For My Readers

Welcome back, Bold Moves Besties, to She Built Success! This week, Claudia is diving into one of those tough lessons that every business owner dreads—a missed opportunity that cost her company a potential $3.5 million contract. Yep, it’s real, and she’s sharing it all with us. If you’re in government contracting or just want to make sure you’re tightening up your processes, this one’s for you.

So, here’s what happened: Claudia’s team was set to land a state-level contract they’d been preparing for. Everything was in motion, but a single missed subcontractor requirement caused the whole thing to fall through. It was a hard hit, and Claudia’s walking us through what she learned, why these lessons matter, and how you can use them to avoid the same fate.

One thing Claudia hits home here is the importance of really digging into the details. In the world of government contracting, every little requirement can make or break your proposal. Skimming? Not an option. Overlooking a line can be costly, and in this case, it was a $3.5 million reminder to get serious about every single requirement.

After this experience, Claudia’s team got busy revamping their approach to proposals. They started using Airtable, which helps them track each stage of the process and flag anything that needs extra attention. The goal is to make sure no one misses a beat, and it’s already making a difference.

Another big takeaway? Government contracting is a long game. Claudia shares how this setback has only made her more committed to the journey. Building relationships, keeping tabs on every contract stage, and being thorough—these things take time, but they’re worth it. Think of it as setting yourself up for sustainable success rather than chasing quick wins.

And here’s the tough part: Claudia had to make the decision to let a team member go after this incident. It wasn’t easy, but she knew that aligning her team’s strengths with her company’s goals was crucial. If someone on the team isn’t the right fit, it’s better for everyone to make changes that allow the business to grow stronger and stay aligned.

Homework for You

Now, here’s where you come in! Take a moment to think back on a mistake you’ve made in your business. How did you turn it into a growth moment? What did you change to make sure it didn’t happen again? DM Claudia or drop a comment with your story—she’d love to hear how you’ve handled your own “lessons learned.”